American Idol Season 13 - Top 13 Perform

Hello friends and welcome back to the American Idol recap that just will not go away!  On nights like this, I have to take a long look in the mirror and question the meaning of it all.  What is the point of writing tirelessly, year after year, about all of these amateur singers?  Is it the joy I get out of ridiculing the disastrous performances that grace our screen every week?  Is it those rare moments of brilliance that can transcend the show?  Is it just the fact that when I start something I have no ability to stop until it gets cancelled?  Probably mostly the latter, but I'm sure it's a combination of all of it.  But, there's no question.  This Top 13 was a strange strange night, and so far it's a strange strange crop of kids.  I'll admit it, I think I coasted through the first hour barely paying attention to the performances.  But, everything surrounding the performances?  Pretty impressive.  The production quality of this season is through the roof, though I could do with less shots of the families during the performances and Taylor Hicks (what was THAT??).  There were a couple of standout performances, but you'd never be able to tell it from J-Lo.  She just loved everyone!  Anyway, I have a pretty good idea who has a strong chance of going home on Thursday, but with this new voting system, it's going to get interesting.   Let's dive in and see what we have.

American Idol Season 13: Rush Week Top 10 Guys Perform

Welcome back American Idol fanatics!  What a difference a day makes.  It seems to be very clear that the guys are in a much better position this season to reclaim the Idol crown.  Most of my favorites from the earlier rounds were in this crew and for the most part they continue to be favorites for me.  I promised to be quicker about this, so let's dive right in!

American Idol Season 13: Rush Week Top 10 Girls Perform

Hello remaining watchers of America's pop culture past pastime!  There was little debate of my return to recapping the live shows for this season of American Idol.  But, I did debate whether I'd start this week or when the finals officially start next week.  On a whim, I decided there was enough to comment on in this first live performance that it was worth a quick post.  Unfortunately, it's not really the performances that I felt were praiseworthy!  After a pretty impressive run of auditions and Hollywood Week, I really thought the show was poised to showcase some amazing talent.  But, it didn't seem like the girls were up to the task last night.  Granted, there were contributing factors like the format of this new "Rush Week" theme.  I can understand the nerves of not knowing if and when you're going to perform and having to be ready to perform on the spot.  But, if you've got the goods, none of that should matter.   And, there is no excuse for poor song choices and/or arrangements.  Anyway, let's get into a quick recap of some of the things I'm excited about this year and, of course, those dreadful performances.